Systems Building

The first of above topics deals with structure, data and integration questions of executed Classic HVDC systems, the second with challenges connected to replacing synchronous generators with VSC based system which are HVDC transmissions, Inverter Based Generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems. .

The third topic "System Stability Analytics" provides means to determine the stability state in operating points and across operating ranges. 

The short-circuit power ratio is an accepted simple criterion for assessing stability. Although lacking the impact of closed loop HVDC controls - particularly control discontinuities - it is nevertheless an essential metric for a first assessment. A more accurate measure is the voltage stability factor considering controls including discontinuities.

What does it need to design and build the modern power system?

Besides the availability of proven technologies it needs "generative phantasy" to combine them, and the experience in transforming theory and concepts to real world solutions. 

The main contractor - supplier of systems engineering and so called noble parts - must understand the client request for proposal (RFP) and enclosed general and specific system and equipment specifications. These are specifications adhering to national and international standards and special owner requirements gained through own operating experience. RAM Engineering and Quality management are most important and frequently addressed in written form and verbally repeatedly stressed at meetings. Experience with former projects merit these repeated resorts to RAM and quality management requirements and issues when not adequately considered. Reviews with the client's RAM & QA representatives and engineers shall ensure flawless common understanding of system building needs. The main contractor forwards relevant parts of the client's specification to respective subsuppliers. The same understanding as required from the main contractor must be shared and demonstrated by subsuppliers. 

After contract award systems design documents are prepared, resp. preliminary system study reports are finalized, exchanged and reviewed with the client. The project managers must have the ability to communicate and explain necessities in the design process, e.g., deviations from original ideas, propose and stipulate rectifying steps. He must be able and prepared to act proactively, recognize possible impacts on time and costs when problems show up. Availability of the design documents are scheduled for a defined date. Do not incorporate changes without absolute need. Prolonged design phases exceeding the time schedule endanger project success.

Collect data for later projects: Continuous on the job evaluation of the design and building process through ongoing analysis regarding specified performance, feedback to the respective teams during the project and furtheron after completion and commercial operation.

Manufacturer and suppliers must have a foot in the client's door to be early enough and well informed on prospective projects, their focus on which things, on administrative/commercial requirements of the entire work chain - design approval, release for construction, witnessing manufacturing and tests. Clarification of technical specifics regarding material supply, e.g. ice load on switches, earth quake conditions, which subsupplies from which vendor, prequalified? Proof of fitness for the local application - e.g. salt/fog chamber high-voltage tests which if not considered or included in the offer in accordance with owner's spec can lead to nonacceptance of bids. Seemingly not essential but nevertheless important: which binders (technical/commercial), which contents, what time frame for the sequential steps of technical questions and answers - their termination, i.e. no later than ..., afterwards not accepted, etc. Pre-acquisition must determine all the requirements for a successful acceptance of the bid, ensure an even path towards a serious bid evaluation, avoid time and money wasting bid participation if outlook for success is very low.

Project execution success depends on the interplay of technical and interpersonnel factors. However, it is clear, these factors can only contribute positively when the substance of the manufacturer's portefolio is advanced and competitive in all relevant aspects. 

The R&D part of this web site combines industrial experience with theoretical knowledge for an evaluation of new ideas on system functions which are important for control and stability of the system. Over the last decades through systems building and research the author has developed ideas on how to integrate HVDC systems and BESS in the existing power grid. The ideas are assembled in papers. Parts of the work are taken from the papers and synthesized here deleting minor parts.